The political points on this have no bounds: POTUS Inauguration, MLK day, Sandy Hook, the whole lot. But I agree with one of the commenters: I wish that the NRA would turn this more into a "Gun Education" day, instead of an "appreciation" day, as the former would help out gun advocates and opponents instead of the latter, which seems to glorify guns altogether.

Saying they're following the example of last year's Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day, a coalition of "gun rights" activists announced today that they're calling on like-minded Americans to visit gun stores, gun ranges and gun shows on Jan. 19 in a show of unity they're calling "Gun Appreciation Day."

It's no coincidence that the 19th is Saturday of the weekend when President Obama will be sworn into office for a second time. Organizers say the date was chosen "to send a message to Washington two days before Obama's second inauguration." They're worried about what they see as the "Obama administration's post-Sandy Hook assault on gun rights."

On Dec. 14, a gunman killed 20 first-graders and six educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., before taking his own life.

Among the groups that are on board with Gun Appreciation Day: the Second Amendment Foundation and the Conservative Action Fund, a so-called SuperPAC.

The 19th, by the way, is also a National Day of Service when, as the White House hopes, Americans will honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "through a day of service and volunteering."

As for what the White House may have planned on gun policy, The Washington Post reported over the weekend that:

Quote:

"The White House is weighing a far broader and more comprehensive approach to curbing the nation's gun violence than simply reinstating an expired ban on assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition, according to multiple people involved in the administration's discussions.

"A working group led by Vice President Biden is seriously considering measures backed by key law enforcement leaders that would require universal background checks for firearm buyers, track the movement and sale of weapons through a national database, strengthen mental health checks, and stiffen penalties for carrying guns near schools or giving them to minors, the sources said."

Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day was led by conservatives who were reacting to criticism directed at Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy for his stand against same-sex marriage. The call to show support for Cathy and his fast-food chain led to long lines at Chick-fil-A restaurants — and to a counter movement called National Same-Sex Kiss Day.

So, if Gun Appreciation Day gets traction, watch for opponents to plan their own sort of day.

I wonder.. if these advocates were in Hollywood, would that make them hypocrites?

The political points on this have no bounds: POTUS Inauguration, MLK day, Sandy Hook, the whole lot. But I agree with one of the commenters: I wish that the NRA would turn this more into a "Gun Education" day, instead of an "appreciation" day, as the former would help out gun advocates and opponents instead of the latter, which seems to glorify guns altogether.

And thank you for proving my point about glorification vs. education. You're fitting that role perfectly.

BL.

whatever..

In the past month I have introduced two new people to shooting...one was pretty much an anti/gun-grabber...after an afternoon shooting trap and some highpower they have both expressed an interest in shooting more and eventually getting guns of their own...

at least I can say Ive done something besides sit behind my computer directing veiled insults at people while thinking that I am some kind of uber clever intellectual....

This just makes the problem worse not better. Gun education day I could get behind. This just encourages wing nuts.

So seriously, how is this any different than "National alternative lifestyle day" (not sure if the H word or G word are politically correct these days, sorry) where people who engage in alternative lifestyles congregate in public spaces to celebrate their way of life?

So seriously, how is this any different than "National alternative lifestyle day" (not sure if the H word or G word are politically correct these days, sorry) where people who engage in alternative lifestyles congregate in public spaces to celebrate their way of life?

Its different because the gay community still does not have equal rights which is completely unacceptable. (Seriously they pay taxes just like everyone else why can't they marry like everyone else). They're drawing awareness to the fact that they are people too.

Gun Appreciation Day sends the wrong message. Too many gun owners are careless, just look at the recent article where a loaded gun with a chambered round was found in a movie theater because some yahoo with a concealed carry permit lost it.

So seriously, how is this any different than "National alternative lifestyle day" (not sure if the H word or G word are politically correct these days, sorry) where people who engage in alternative lifestyles congregate in public spaces to celebrate their way of life?

It's called Pride. And we do it because for so long we have been shoved into closets, discriminated against, and looked down upon. And I hope for the day when we won't have to "congregate in public spaces to celebrate our way of life". Hopefully, sooner rather than later we will have the same rights as every other American - until then....

And for someone who seems so concerned with constitutional rights, the fact that you don't understand the difference is quite sad.

It's called Pride. And we do it because for so long we have been shoved into closets, discriminated against, and looked down upon. And I hope for the day when we won't have to "congregate in public spaces to celebrate our way of life". Hopefully, sooner rather than later we will have the same rights as every other American - until then....

And for someone who seems so concerned with constitutional rights, the fact that you don't understand the difference is quite sad.

Thats the point I am making...there is no difference. Gun owners are being marginalized and discriminated against more than ever before. Jan 19th 2013 is going to be our "pride" day.

Thats the point I am making...there is no difference. Gun owners are being marginalized and discriminated against more than ever before. Jan 19th 2013 is going to be our "pride" day.

How are you being discriminated against?

You have rights. Nobody is taking your guns away. You're being ridiculous...and you wonder why you're being marginalized? Please. You don't understand the difference? Really? Your statement is offensive to anyone who has had to deal with real discrimination.

When I hear "Gun Appreciation Day", all I can think of is the scene in Kubrick's "Full Metal Jacket" where the recruits are marching in skivvies with rifles on shoulder and other hand on crotch, chanting "This is my rifle. This is my gun. This is for fighting. This is for fun".

So when Jan 19 rolls around, be sure to show proper appreciation to your gun.

Thats the point I am making...there is no difference. Gun owners are being marginalized and discriminated against more than ever before. Jan 19th 2013 is going to be our "pride" day.

Bull ****ing s***!

Stop it with this crap. You are far from being marginalized or discriminated against at the level many minorities have been. That is just an absolute load of garbage.

Have you been:

1. denied the right to marry because you own a gun?
2. denied the right to serve your country because you own a gun?
3. been denied or fired from a job because you own a gun?
4. been beaten, raped or killed because you own a gun?
5. been disowned by your family because you own a gun?

This is disingenuousness at it's worst. Your guns are not being taken away, so just knock it off.

And if you went to CFA Appreciation Day, you've lost my respect. That is truly the ugliest thing you could do.

And you know damn well I'm a huge supporter of gun ownership, but WITH LIMITS. People should be screened before they can buy guns. Sorry if you don't like that, but it makes sense.

Must have hit a tender spot. I would say 'if the shoe fits, wear it', but I'd rather be more apropos.. If the holster fits, strap it on (that's what she said ).

Quote:

In the past month I have introduced two new people to shooting...one was pretty much an anti/gun-grabber...after an afternoon shooting trap and some highpower they have both expressed an interest in shooting more and eventually getting guns of their own...

at least I can say Ive done something besides sit behind my computer directing veiled insults at people while thinking that I am some kind of uber clever intellectual....

I went to work today. More importantly, I came home, and was blessed enough to see the faces of my SO and children. I was able to kiss each one of them and hold them tonight, and hope that I can do the same thing tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after.

I have no problems with the 2nd Amendment and gun rights, though I do have a problem with the lack of restraint people have in this country (read: shoot first; ask questions later.. a trait our previous President tended to enjoy). But I challenge you to do one thing. While you are off glorifying and justifying your right to bear arms under the guise of 'appreciation', I dare you that with each bullet you fire, you think about the parents and families of someone who was shot and had their lives ended by the very bullets you glorify Think about those sons and daughters who won't be coming home for dinner that night, and ask yourself if you can really enjoy doing that. If you can... well.. you've proven to us what type of person you are.

Call me "uber intellectual" all you want; I'd take that as a complement, especially if it meant that I could come home safe to my family each and every night; and in fact, I do.